What Is Amphetamine Dependence?

Highlights

Amphetamine dependence occurs when you need the drug to function on a daily basis.

Consistent amphetamine dependence and abuse can lead to overdose, brain damage, and even death.

Amphetamines are a type of stimulant. They treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

Dextroamphetamine
and methamphetamine
are two types of amphetamines. They’re sometimes sold illegally. Both
prescribed and street amphetamines can be abused and cause addiction. Methamphetamine
is the most commonly abused amphetamine.

Amphetamine dependence occurs when you need the drug to
function on a daily basis. You’ll experience symptoms of withdrawal if you’re
dependent and you abruptly stop using the drug.

What Causes Amphetamine Dependence?

Using amphetamines frequently and for a long time can cause
dependence. Some people become dependent faster than others.

You may become dependent by using these drugs without a
doctor’s prescription. You can also become dependent if you take more than
you’re prescribed. You may even develop dependence if you take amphetamines
according to your doctor’s directions.

Who Is at Risk for Amphetamine Dependence?

You have a higher risk of developing amphetamine dependence
if you:

have
easy access to amphetamines

live
in a culture where amphetamine use is viewed as acceptable

have
mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders,
or schizophrenia

have
low self-esteem or relationship problems

have a
stressful lifestyle

have
emotional problems

have
financial problems

What Are the Symptoms of Amphetamine Dependence?

If you’re dependent on amphetamines, you may:

miss
work or school

not
complete or perform tasks as well

not
care about physical appearance

have
poor hygiene

not
eat

lose a
lot of weight

have
severe dental problems

steal
to get money to support your drug habit

try to
hide your amphetamine abuse from others

use
amphetamines when you’re alone

find
it difficult to stop using amphetamines

make
excuses to yourself and others to use amphetamines

experience
withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use amphetamines

have
episodes of violence and mood disturbances

have
anxiety

have
insomnia

feel
confused

have
paranoia

have
visual or auditory hallucinations

have
delusions, such as the sensation that something is crawling under your
skin

How Is Amphetamine Dependence Diagnosed?

To diagnose amphetamine dependence, your doctor may:

ask
you questions about how much and how long you’ve been using amphetamines

take
blood tests to detect amphetamines in your system

perform
a physical exam and order tests to detect health problems caused by your
amphetamine abuse

Check for the following symptoms. You may have amphetamine
dependence if you’ve experienced three or more within the same 12-month period.

Build Up of
Tolerance

You’ve built up a tolerance if you need larger doses of
amphetamines to achieve the same high.

Mental Health Is
Affected

Withdrawal is characterized by depression, anxiety, fatigue,
paranoia, aggression, and intense cravings. You may need to use a similar drug
to relieve or avoid amphetamine withdrawal symptoms.

Inability to Cut Down or Stop

You have wanted to cut down or stop using amphetamines but
have been unsuccessful. You continue to use amphetamines even though you know
thye’re causing persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems.

Lifestyle Changes

You miss out on or don’t go to as many recreational, social,
or work activities because of your amphetamine use.

How Is Amphetamine Dependence Treated?

Treatments for amphetamine dependence may include a
combination of the following.

Hospitalization

If you experience strong drug cravings, you may find it
easier to go through amphetamine withdrawal in a hospital setting. This setting
may also help if you have negative mood changes, including aggression and
suicidal behavior.

Therapy

Individual counseling, family therapy, and group therapy can
help you:

identify
why you use drugs

resolve
problems that led you to use drugs

repair
relationships with your family

learn
ways to avoid amphetamine use

discover
activities you enjoy in place of drug use

get
support from others who have been amphetamine users because they
understand what you’re going through (usually in a 12-step drug treatment
program)

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease severe symptoms
of withdrawal. Your doctor may prescribe methylphenidate
if you have severe intravenous amphetamine dependence. Fluoxetine
may decrease your cravings. Imipramine
may help you stick with your treatment for amphetamine dependence. Your doctor
may prescribe other medications to help relieve symptoms of anxiety,
depression, and aggression.

What Are the Complications of Amphetamine Dependence?

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

Amphetamine dependence can be difficult to treat. You may
relapse after treatment and start using amphetamines again. Participating in a
12-step drug treatment program and getting individual counseling can reduce
your chances of relapse.

Can I Prevent Amphetamine Dependence?

Drug education programs can reduce the odds for new amphetamine
use or a relapse. Counseling for emotional problems and family support can also
help. However, none of these have been proven to prevent amphetamine use in
everyone.